Rivalry revs up

Bad blood: In this rivalry, there has been a near-fight in the tunnel, an elbow to the neck that resulted in a suspension, and a heated exchange between coaches--and that was just last year.

Revenge: When asked whom he wanted to face in the conference championship, Chad Barrett said, "I want to play New England--personally, I want revenge.'' The Revs ended the Fire's season four of the last five years.

Goodbye, Armas? Chris Armas said he would retire after the 2007 season, which means Thursday could be his last game if the Fire loses--though he hasn't ruled out a 2008 return.

Boston domination: The Boston Red Sox are champions, the New England Patriots could join them, and the Boston Celtics are among the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Can the Revs strengthen Beantown's hold on the sports world?

Blanco effect: He was called a hothead, washed-up and overpaid, and now Cuauhtemoc Blanco is one game away from leading the Fire to its first MLS Cup final appearance since 2003.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chris Rolfe, Fire: Scored in three of the Fire's last five games, disproving the theory that the Fire is a one-man show.

Michael Parkhurst, Revolution: The 2007 MLS Defender of the Year will look to shut down Blanco along with help from Revs teammate Shalrie Joseph.

Taylor Twellman, Revolution: The former MLS MVP scored against the Fire in last year's playoffs and had the winning goal against the New York Red Bulls last Saturday.

Wilman Conde, Fire: The Fire's defense came back down to earth last game, allowing two goals. Conde needs to regain his dominant form to prevent a repeat performance.

BURNING QUESTIONS

* Justin Mapp hasn't played since Aug. 25 (ankle) but is listed as probable for Thursday. If he plays, how much of an impact will the Fire midfielder have considering the long layoff?

* If the Fire takes an early lead, can its defense hold on? The Fire gave up a handful of game-tying goals in its current unbeaten streak and nearly did the same last game.

* Can the Fire players look past the Revolution's dominance in the rivalry and focus on the game or will the Revs' psychological edge rattle them--especially if they go down a goal?

RECAPPING THE RIVALRY

Oct. 28, 2006: After leading the Revs 2-0 on aggregate, the Fire gives up two goals and loses the first round series 4-2 on penalty kicks.

Oct. 15, 2005: An equalizing goal by Fire defender Gonzalo Segares in stoppage time is waved off because of an offside call, sending the Revs to the MLS Cup final.

Oct. 16, 2004: With a playoff spot on the line for both teams in the last game of the regular season, the Revs defeat the Fire 2-1.

Nov. 14, 2003: A stoppage-time goal by Chris Armas gives the Fire a 1-0 win over the Revs and its third MLS Cup final appearance in six seasons.

Oct. 2, 2002: The Revs eliminate the Fire in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in a first-to-five-points series.

QUOTABLES

"We're not going to post that in the locker room and say 'Look at what they're talking about.' We're in the semifinal of the MLS Cup--we're trying to be the aggressor in the game.''

Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston on Barrett's pursuit of revenge.

"We want to send Chris Armas out on a high. We're going to treat it like this is his last season in a Fire uniform and we're going to play our hearts out for him.''

Fire forward Chad Barrett

PREDICTION: Fire 1-0

On paper, the Revolution has a better offense and defense than the Fire. But what doesn't show up in stats is the Fire's soaring confidence, its newfound chemistry and Blanco's refuse-to-lose attitude.